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Wang Xin said nerves got the better of her at a partisan Tianhe Gymnasium as she surprisingly surrendered the first set to her young opponent.

"I always thought this would be a tough game," said Wang. "I was too nervous and it made me make a lot of faults.

"My opponent was very aggressive and I felt pressured throughout the match. I prepared beforehand but I didn't realise it would be so hard."

Wang was full of praise for the 15-year-old Ratchanok after the Thai made life tough for the world's top-rated shuttler.

"Her skill level is mature beyond her age," said Wang.

"She is not tall but she was very aggressive in her shots and she was very powerful. She could become a major opponent because she is still young."

China coach Li Yongbo said despite winning gold with ease, they could learn from blooding youngsters so early on, particularly the need to cope with the huge expectations of the Chinese public.

"We can see very clearly that badminton is improving in the world and more and more countries are making improvements so we are going to face more and more challenges, so we need to work hard." said Li.

"All 10 players were making their debuts in the Asian Games and they performed quite well.

"In the team event it's team work and team spirit that gets you through.

"A lot of expectations were placed on the team so that caused them some stress and affected their performance."

Thai coach Udom Luangphetcharaporn, describing the Chinese women as the "best in the world", was delighted to win silver after beating Indonesia to make the final.

Now my eyes are on to 2 XD pairs, Maneepong Jongjit,Savitree Amitapai and Nipitphon Puangpech,Nessara Somsri.

Maneepong and Savitree were doing well in India SS and still in Round2 in Malaysia GP.
Nitiphon and Nessara got defeat by the IDA pair at Malaysia GP but at least they got one game so hopefully they gonna be better and better.

Too bad for the Thai youngster pair, they meet the Thai veteran pair in QF but I really hope Maneepong/Savitree gonna make a good fight to Songphon/Kunchala. At least we've already booked a place in SF for sure.

Mixed Doubles from Thailand are strong

Originally Posted by broadstairs

Too bad for the Thai youngster pair, they meet the Thai veteran pair in QF but I really hope Maneepong/Savitree gonna make a good fight to Songphon/Kunchala. At least we've already booked a place in SF for sure.

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One of the good things about Thailand players is that both the men and women players are equally strong. And this helps Thailand to have quite a good showing of strength in the Mixed Doubles.
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Hundreds of juniors from clubs all over Thailand, although not quite so many this year because of the floods in many areas, competed this month to be crowned individual or doubles champions of their particular age groups.

The championships have been held for many years and afford the opportunity for young boys and girls to progress to greater things, as has happened recently. A young Thai lady, Rachanok Inthanon, 16 when she won her first World Junior Crown, has since successfully defended her title for the second year. She is nearly 18 now, no longer qualifying for the junior competitions, and the next step is the Olympic Games and she has risen to number 12 in the world rankings.

Pattaya Sports Club has been supporting the Badminton Championships for 8 years and is very happy to make a contribution to provide an opportunity for the young people of Thailand to take part in this annual event.

Professor Charoen Wattanasin, President of the Badminton Association of Thailand, just one of his many hats, was there to offer his support and present trophies to some of the winners, as were members of the PSC Committee, representatives of the YWCA, and the CEO of the Amati Group.

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Have a look at the many photos provided in the source, for we might be able to identify them in a few years' time (just like young Thai lady, Rachanok Inthanon, who was there a few years ago).
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